Firearm bipod

ABSTRACT

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a bipod having pivot and cant functionality built into a unified cant/pivot assembly, housing, and pivot block. Rotation of a locking knob under the housing can gradually increase or decrease friction of the cant and pivoting degrees of freedom. Sufficient loosening of the locking knob can allow a pivot block to be lifted from the housing and rotated 180°, and then retightened to lock in a given pivot position. Before this 180 rotation of the pivot block, the pivot block and hence the firearm is free to pivot up to 10°, or up to 20°, or up to 30°.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 120

The present Application for Patent is a Continuation in Part of patentapplication Ser. No. 15/851,681 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Dec. 21,2017, pending, which claims priority to Provisional Application No.62/438,590 entitled “FIREARM BIPOD” filed Dec. 23, 2016, and assigned tothe assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to firearm accessories. Inparticular, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relatesto systems, methods and apparatuses for a firearm bipod configured tocant, pivot, and fold.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Modern firearms, such as rifles in particular, may be more accuratelyand conveniently fired by the shooter if the firearm is equipped with abipod device for supporting and steadying the barrel. Bipods may befixedly or removably mounted onto firearms, and have been found to bemost convenient if they can further be retracted in a storage positionwhen not in use. Exemplary bipods and mounting devices are taught inprior U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,422 issued Jun. 27, 1967; U.S. Pat. No.4,470,216 issued Sep. 11, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,620 issued Dec. 2,1986; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,451 issued Feb. 10, 1987; U.S. Pat. No.4,903,425 issued Feb. 27, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,103 issued Jan.27, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,572 issued Aug. 24, 2010, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

However, existing bipods may not have both a cant and pivot feature, andif they do they tend to require separate controls for each degree offreedom. Further, the complexity of bipods tends to make them bulky andadds weight to a firearm. Nor do existing bipods offer a simple means toadjust tension of pivot and cant adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or moreaspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein. As such, the followingsummary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to allcontemplated aspects and/or embodiments, nor should the followingsummary be regarded to identify key or critical elements relating to allcontemplated aspects and/or embodiments or to delineate the scopeassociated with any particular aspect and/or embodiment. Accordingly,the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain conceptsrelating to one or more aspects and/or embodiments relating to themechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detaileddescription presented below.

One aspect of the disclosure can be described as a bipod leg deploymentassembly having a housing, a leg housing, two leg assemblies, a pivotrod, a locking knob, and a pivot block. The housing can include avertical housing aperture, one or more first detent receiving hollows,and one or more second detent receiving hollows. The vertical housingaperture can pass through the housing along a vertical pivot axis. Theone or more first detent receiving hollows can be arrangedconcentrically around the vertical housing aperture. The one or moresecond detent receiving hollows can be arranged concentrically aroundthe vertical housing aperture. They can also be alternately arrangedbetween the one or more first detent receiving hollows. The one or morefirst detent receiving hollows can have a greater arcuate width than theone or more second detent receiving hollows. The two leg assemblies caneach have a deployed position and a stowed position, and these twopositions can have an arcuate separate of at least 45°. Each of the twoleg assemblies can have a leg deployment pivot axis around which therespective leg assembly rotates when moved from the deployed position tothe stowed position. Each of the two leg assemblies can also have abipod leg deployment button arranged near, but not coincident with therespective leg deployment pivot axis, and these can be biased outwardfrom the housing. The pivot rod can pass through the vertical housingaperture, and the locking knob can couple to a lower half of the pivotrod. The locking knob can be arranged at least partially below thehousing. The pivot block can be fixed to an upper half of the pivot rodand can be pivotally arranged at least partially above the housing.

Another aspect of the disclosure can be characterized as a bipod legdeployment assembly having a housing, a pivot rod, a locking knob, and apivot block. The housing can have two legs rotationally coupled thereto.The housing can also include a vertical housing aperture arranged arounda vertical pivot axis and a plurality of detent receiving hollowsarranged concentrically around the vertical pivot axis. Adjacent ones ofthe detent receiving hollows can have alternating arcuate widths asmeasured in a circle around the vertical pivot axis. The pivot rod canpass through the vertical housing aperture. A locking knob can becoupled to a lower half of the pivot rod and can be arranged at leastpartially below the housing. The pivot block can be fixed to an upperhalf of the pivot rod and can be pivotally arranged at least partiallyabove the housing.

Another aspect of the disclosure can be characterized as a method oflocking out a pivot function of a firearm bipod. The method can includerotating a locking knob of a bipod in a first direction to enable apivot block to move vertically, relative to a housing, sufficiently toallow one or more detents extending down from a bottom of the pivotblock to exit corresponding first detent receiving hollows in thehousing and to clear a top surface of the housing, the housing arrangedbetween the locking knob and the pivot block. The method can alsoinclude rotating the pivot block 180°. The method can yet furtherinclude rotating the locking knob in a second direction to pull thepivot block and the one or more detents downward and cause the one ormore detents to enter corresponding second detent receiving hollows inthe housing. The first and second detent receiving hollows can havedifferent arcuate widths as measured in a circle around a vertical pivotaxis through the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a bipod configured to cant, pivot,rotate the legs into a stowed position, and telescope the legs;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the bipod of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the bipod of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates side views of the bipod of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates top and bottom views of the bipod of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric close-up view of the bipod, with one oftwo leg release buttons depressed;

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up exploded view of the area where one of theleg assemblies, the housing, and a corresponding leg release buttoninteract;

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up isometric view of the leg assemblies,their leg deployment pivot axes, and the interplay between a conicalcutout on one of the leg assemblies and a corresponding leg releasebutton;

FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the interactionbetween a first length of a leg release button and a first conicalcutout of an inner leg portion of a leg assembly;

FIG. 10B illustrates an overhead view of the interaction between thefirst length of the leg release button and the first conical cutout ofthe inner leg portion of the leg assembly;

FIG. 10C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the inner legportion clearing a second length of the leg release button when the legrelease button is depressed;

FIG. 10D illustrates an overhead view of the inner leg portion clearinga second length of the leg release button when the leg release button isdepressed;

FIG. 11A illustrates an isometric view of the interaction between athird length of the leg release button and the second conical cutout ofthe inner leg portion of the leg assembly;

FIG. 11B illustrates an overhead view of the interaction between thethird length of the leg release button and the second conical cutout ofthe inner leg portion of the leg assembly;

FIG. 11C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the interactionbetween the third length of the leg release button and the secondconical cutout of the inner leg portion of the leg assembly;

FIG. 11D illustrates an overhead view of the clearance of the curvededge relative to the third length of the leg release button when the legrelease button is depressed or when the second conical cutout of the legassembly backdrives the third length and thereby depresses the legrelease button;

FIG. 11E illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the curved edgeclearing the second length of the leg release button when the legrelease button is depressed or when the second conical cutout of the legassembly backdrives the third length and thereby depresses the legrelease button;

FIG. 11F illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the curved edgeclearing the second length of the leg release button when the legrelease button is depressed or when the second conical cutout of the legassembly backdrives the third length and thereby depresses the legrelease button;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the bipod with one of the legassemblies rotating from the deployed position toward a stowed position;

FIG. 13 illustrates how depression of a leg extension locking componentcan allow extension of a leg assembly;

FIG. 14A illustrates a close-up view of the leg extension lockingcomponent in relation to an inner leg portion of a leg assembly (withthe outer leg portion hidden to reveal the horizontal and verticaltracks of the inner leg portion);

14B illustrates a further close-up view of the inner side of the legextension locking component;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of movement of the leg extensionlocking component relative to the outer leg portion of the leg assembly;

FIG. 16 illustrates views of the outer leg portion (left) and the innerleg portion (right) of the leg assembly;

FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up view of the foot of the leg assembly;

FIG. 18 illustrates a partially exploded view of the bipod with thefirearm interface hidden;

FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up exploded view of the bipod with the legassemblies hidden;

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the pivot lock functionality;

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of releasing the firearm interface forcanting thereof;

FIG. 22 illustrates a view of an underside of the firearm interface toshow that the locking rod can pass through ovular aperture of thefirearm interface at a variety of cant angles;

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a firearm interface shaped for usewith M-LOK;

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of the firearm interface shaped foruse with a rail such as a Picatinny or NATO rail;

FIG. 25 illustrates further views of the firearm interface of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of the firearm interface shaped foruse with a sling stud;

FIG. 27A illustrates a close-up view of the leg release button in thelocked state and its interaction with the inner leg portion of the legassembly;

FIG. 27B illustrates a close-up view of the leg release button in theunlocked state and how the curved edge 185 is able to clear the secondlength of the leg release button in this unlocked state;

FIG. 28 illustrates an isometric view of the housing in isolation;

FIG. 29 illustrates a method of stowing deployed legs of a bipodaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 30 illustrates a method of deploying stowed legs of a bipodaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 31 illustrates a method of extending or collapsing legs of a bipodaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 32 illustrates a method of pivoting and canting a firearm interfaceassembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 33 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of thehousing in isolation;

FIG. 34 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of thepivot block shaped to couple to the housing of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 illustrates a close up of the pivot rod, locking knob, biasingmeans and a thrust washer;

FIG. 36 illustrates two isometric views of an embodiment of a leg and aleg release button;

FIG. 37 illustrates two additional isometric views of the embodiment ofFIG. 36; and

FIG. 38 illustrates a profile view of the leg release button shown inFIGS. 36 and 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

Preliminary note: the flowcharts and block diagrams in the followingFigures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of systems, methods and computer programproducts according to various embodiments of the present invention. Inthis regard, some blocks in these flowcharts or block diagrams mayrepresent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one ormore executable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations ofblocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can beimplemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform thespecified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Intro

The bipod can include a housing with two leg assemblies attachedthereto. The housing can include an aperture through which passes apivot rod, the pivot rod having a threaded coupling to a locking knobarranged below the housing, wherein turning of the locking knob resultsin the pivot rod moving up or down along a vertical axis passing throughthe pivot rod and the housing. A top of the pivot rod can be coupled toa cant nut having a tubular shape and a longitudinal axis perpendicularto the vertical axis. A firearm interface can include an aperture havinga similar shape to the cant nut, and the cant nut arranged within thisaperture in the firearm interface. The firearm interface can rotate orcant around the cant nut to provide canting to a firearm mounted to thefirearm interface. A pivot block can be arranged between the housing andthe firearm interface and can pivot atop the housing. The pivot blockcan include a concave hollow into which a portion of a bottom of thefirearm interface is shaped to rest in such that when the locking knobis tightened, the pivot block and firearm interface pivot in unison.Rotation of the locking knob pushes the cant nut and thereby the firearminterface up or down to lock or unlock the firearm interface into theconcave hollow in the pivot block. The firearm interface can be shapedto fit a variety of known and yet-to-be-known accessory interfaces, suchas, but not limited, to M-LOK, Picatinny rail, and NATO rail.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a bipod according to an embodimentof this disclosure while FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of thesame. FIGS. 3-6 illustrate alternative views of this embodiment of thebipod 100. The bipod 100 enables selective and lockable cant andpivoting and interfacing with a firearm, such as a rifle, via one ofvarious known interfacing platforms (e.g., M-LOK, NATO Rail, Picatinny).The legs can also telescope and be stored in a position roughly 90rotated from a deployed position (i.e., folded up to a position near theforend of the firearm. The bipod 100 can include a firearm interface102, which in this embodiment is configured for interfacing with afirearm, handguard of a firearm, etc. via the M-LOK platform. While manyof the figures in this disclosure show an M-LOK interface, these are notintended to be limiting, and FIGS. 23-25 show examples of Picatinny andNATO Rail interfaces, respectively, to provide two other non-limitingexamples. The firearm interface 102 is also partially responsible forcanting of the firearm, and thus can have a tubular or curved bottom 104and a tubular aperture 106 extending along, and concentric with, ahorizontal axis 162 of the firearm interface 102. A cant nut 108 can bearranged within the tubular aperture 106 and can have a rotationalcoupling to the firearm interface 102 thereby enabling the firearminterface 102 to cant around the cant nut 108. The tubular aperture 106can be flush with or nearly flush with the cant nut 108. The cant nut108 has a vertical tubular aperture 118 that accepts a pivot rod 110,this vertical tubular aperture 118 being arranged along and concentricwith a vertical axis 160. The horizontal and vertical axes 160, 162 canbe perpendicular to each other regardless of a rotational position ofthe firearm interface 102. Thus, the vertical tubular aperture 118 canbe perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the firearm interface 102 aswell as a longitudinal axis of the cant nut 108. The vertical tubularaperture 118 surrounds an upper portion of the pivot rod 110. The cantnut 108 can include a longitudinal aperture 119 shaped to accept alocking pin 121. The locking pin 121 can pass through the longitudinalaperture 119 and through a locking pin aperture 123 in the upper end ofthe pivot rod 110 thereby creating a fixed relationship between the cantnut 108 and the pivot rod 110. As such, the cant nut 108 and the pivotrod 110 can both pivot around the vertical axis 160 and move verticallyalong the vertical axis 160 in unison. The horizontal axis 162 can pivotwith the cant nut 108 and the firearm interface 102 so that thelongitudinal axes of these two components are always aligned with thehorizontal axis 162.

For the purposes of this disclosure, “pivot” or “pivoting” refers torotation about the vertical axis 160 and “cant” or “canting” refers torotation around the horizontal axis 162.

The curved bottom 104 of the firearm interface 102 is shaped to fitpartially into and rotationally interface with a concave hollow 114 in apivot block 112. The pivot block 112 can rest on and partially within ahousing 150. The housing 150 can include a vertical housing aperture 153concentrically arranged around the pivot rod 110 and accepting a tubulardetent 151 extending from a bottom of the pivot block 112. The pivotblock 112 can also include a vertical pivot block aperture 152 that isconcentric with the tubular detent 151 and the vertical axis 160 andallows the pivot rod 110 to pass through and rotate within the pivotblock 112.

The housing 150 can have a generally cylindrical shape with two leghousings 154 on each side of the housing 150, each disposed at an angle,θ₁, relative to the vertical axis 160 (see e.g., FIG. 9). The legassemblies 128 can be arranged at an angle, θ₂, relative to each other.The leg housings 154 can be closed on four sides (e.g., top, sides, andrear) and open on two sides (e.g., front and bottom), and can eachaccept an upper portion of a leg assembly 128. Each leg assembly 128 caninclude an inner leg portion 130 and an outer leg portion 132. The innerleg portion 130 can have a profile that fits within a hollow interior131 of the corresponding outer leg portion 132 (e.g., see FIG. 16) suchthat the outer leg portion 132 can slide along the inner leg portion 130while always partially surrounding the inner leg portion 130 (e.g., seeFIG. 13). Each leg assembly 128 further includes a leg extension lockingcomponent 138 (e.g., see FIGS. 1, 2, and 13-15). The leg extensionlocking component 138 can be depressed and slide perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the corresponding leg assembly 128 to release theleg assembly 128 for telescoping of the leg assembly 128.

The leg assemblies 128 can have a rotational coupling to the leghousings 154 via fastening means 156 (e.g., a screw passing through abushing, the bushing arranged in an aperture in an outside of the leghousing 154, the screw passing through an opposing side of the leghousing 154 and threading into a washer 191 inside the housing 150). Asnap pin fastener or other means could also be used to couple the legassemblies 128 to the leg housings 154. The fastening means 156 can passthrough a rotation aperture 158 near a top of each inner leg portion 130(e.g., see FIG. 8). Both the fastening means 156 and the rotationaperture 158 can be aligned with and concentric around a leg deploymentpivot axis 184 of the leg assembly 128 (e.g., see FIG. 27).

A leg release button 126 for each leg assembly 128 can have a slidingarrangement within a leg locking aperture 164 in each side of thehousing 150. FIG. 7 shows a first leg release button 126 on a right ofthe page being depressed, whereas a second leg release button 126 on aleft of the page is not depressed. The leg release button 126 can bebiased from a center of the housing 150 toward an exterior of the leglocking apertures 164. Such biasing may be provided by a spring or otherbutton biasing mechanism 127 (see FIG. 2). In a locked state, the legrelease buttons 126 may rest at or proud of the leg locking apertures164. When depressed the leg release buttons 126 may be pushed into theleg locking apertures 164 (i.e., toward the housing 150). In the lockedstate, the leg release buttons 126 act as a leg rotation lock andprevent the leg assemblies 128 from rotating. In other words, a torqueapplied to one of the leg assemblies 128, when the corresponding legrelease button 126 is in the locked state (not depressed), will fail torotate the leg assembly 128. When depressed, the leg release buttons 126no longer oppose rotation of the leg assemblies 128, and therefore theleg assemblies 128 can rotate from a deployed position (as seen inFIG. 1) toward a stowed position (rotation toward the stowed positioncan be seen in FIG. 12). The stowed position can comprise the legassemblies 128 being substantially 90° rotated from the deployedposition, or arranged substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis ofthe firearm, or arranged substantially parallel with the horizontal axis162. However, in other embodiments, more or less than 90° can separatethe stowed and deployed positions. For instance, the arcuate separationbetween these two positions can be 45° or at least 45°. As anothernon-limiting example, the arcuate difference between these two positionscan be between 85° and 95° apart. In another embodiment, the arcuatedifference between these two positions can be between 80° and 100°apart. In yet another embodiment, the arcuate difference between thesetwo positions can be between 75° and 105° apart.

When the leg assemblies 128 are in the stowed position, the leg releasebuttons 126 are again biased away from a center of the housing 150 in alocked position. Yet, from the stowed position, the leg assemblies 128can be rotated toward the deployed position with a threshold amount offorce, or depression of the leg release buttons 126. This makesdeploying the leg assemblies 128 faster and simpler than stowingthereof. In particular, in the stowed position, a first torque appliedto the leg assemblies 128 (e.g., to move them from the stowed to thedeployed position) will again not cause rotation of the leg assemblies128. However, a second torque, greater than the first (e.g., greaterthan an unlocking threshold), will cause the leg release buttons 126 tobackdrive (e.g., move in a direction opposing the bias on the legrelease buttons 126) such that the leg assemblies 128 can rotate towardthe deployed position. In practice, this means that the leg assemblies128 cannot be moved from the deployed position unless the leg releasebuttons 126 are sufficiently depressed, while in the stowed positions,the leg assemblies 128 can be unfolded without directly depressing theleg release buttons 126, as long as sufficient torque to overcome theunlocking threshold is applied. As such, small jostling or accidentaltorques, such as those seen during user marches or rapid vehicle exits,will not deploy the leg assemblies 128 from the stowed position.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a foot 170 that can be removablycoupled to a bottom of each leg assembly 128. Fixed, non-removable, feetcan also be implemented. Each foot 170 can be round, as shown, caninclude one or more spikes, texture, and/or other variations suited todifferent ground conditions. In some embodiments, the feet can bemultifunctional, for instance, having a spike that retracts within aball-shaped foot, and can be extended for use on softer/looser ground.

Leg Deploy/Lock Button

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up of an exploded view of the leg housing154, the leg assembly 128, and the leg release button 126. The leghousing 154 is coupled to the housing 150 at an angle and is open on afront and bottom side to accept the leg assembly 128 in either thedeployed or stowed positions. The leg assembly 128 can be rotationallycoupled to the leg housing 154 via the fastener means 156 (e.g., a screwpassing through a bushing and threading into a screw within the housing150). The fastening means 156 and the leg assembly 128 can rotate aroundthe leg deployment pivot axis 184 of the leg assembly 128 (see FIG. 27).The leg assembly 128 comprises an inner leg portion 130 and an outer legportion 132, the outer leg portion 132 slides along the inner legportion 130 to effect telescoping of the leg assembly 128. The legrelease button 126 can be arranged within the leg locking aperture 164.The leg release button 126 can have a maximum outer diameter that issmaller than an inner diameter of the leg locking aperture 164. The legrelease button 126 and the leg locking aperture 164 can be concentric toand arranged along a common axis (not shown), and the leg release button126 can be biased along this axis away from the housing 150 and can bedepressed toward the housing 150 to reach the unlocked state. The legrelease button 126 can be biased away from the housing 150 via thebutton biasing mechanism 127 (e.g., a spring). The spring or buttonbiasing mechanism 127 can be arranged between the leg release button 126and an inner end of the leg locking aperture 164.

The leg release button 126 can be split into at least two lengths, afirst length 172, and a second length 176, as seen in FIG. 10B. Thesecond length 176 can have a smaller diameter than the first length 172.A third length, 174, may be arranged between the first and secondlengths 172, 176, and may have a conical shape such that it creates asmooth transition between the first and second lengths 172, 176. Thefirst length 172 may be tubular or conical, however, if conical, itsangle is less than the angle of the third length 174. The inner legportion 130 can include at least two conical cutouts 182 and 180, andoptionally a third conical cutout 183 (see FIGS. 11A, 11C, 11E and 27A).The first conical cutout 182 can be arranged near a top of the inner legportion 130, and along a narrow side edge of the inner leg portion 130.The first conical cutout 182 can have the shape of a portion of a cone(i.e., a conical frustum), and this shape can mimic or be similar to theconical shape of a first length 172 of the leg release button 126 (e.g.,see FIG. 11B). Accordingly, when the leg release button 126 is in thelocked state, and the leg assembly 128 is in the deployed position, thefirst length 172 and the first conical cutout 182 are shaped andpositioned to interface and make a flush arcuate connection (e.g., seeFIGS. 10A, 10B, and 27A). Given this interface, the leg assembly 128cannot rotate. However, when the leg release button 126 is depressed tothe unlocked state (e.g., see FIGS. 10C, 10D, and 27B), then the legassembly 128 can rotate since the leg assembly 128 is able to clear thesecond length 176.

It should be noted that cylindrical cutouts can be used in place of thefirst and third conical cutouts 182, 183. Additionally, a cylindricalcutout can be substituted for the second conical cutout 180. While theinterfacing to the leg release button 126 may not be as beneficial asconical cutouts, the inventors have found that cylindrical shapes willalso acceptably interface. Where cylindrical cutouts are used, thecutouts can be angled slightly relative to a longitudinal axis of theleg assembly to better interface with the conical frustum shaped firstand third lengths 172, 174 of the leg release button 1 126.

FIGS. 27A and 27B provide another view of the interfacing of the legassembly 128 and the leg release button 126 in the locked (FIG. 27A) andunlocked states (FIG. 27B). The top or end of the inner leg portion 130of the leg assembly 128 can include a curved edge 185, and this curvededge 185 can extend in an arcuate fashion between two of the conicalcutouts 182, 180, 183 (e.g., between a first and third conical cutout182, 183). The curved edge 185 can have a circular profile and thusmaintains a constant distance or radius, R₁, from the leg deploymentpivot axis 184 along its whole curved circumference. An innermost edgeof the first conical cutout 182 can be arranged a second distance, R₂,from the leg deployment pivot axis 184. When the first length 172 andthe first conical cutout 182 interface, in the locked state of the legdeployment button 126, a circumference of the second length 176 is athird distance, R₃, from the leg deployment pivot axis 184. The firstdistance, R₁, is less than the third distance, R₃, while the seconddistance, R₂, is less than both R₁ and R₃. Because the radius, R₁, ofthe curved edge 185 intersects with the first length 172 in the lockedstate (i.e., the first distance, R₁, is greater than the seconddistance, R₂), the leg assembly 128 cannot rotate. However, when the legrelease button 126 is depressed into the unlocked state (FIG. 27B), theleg assembly 128 (or the curved edge 185) lines up with the secondlength 176 rather than the first length 172, and since the firstdistance, R₁, is less than the third distance, R₃, the leg assembly 128can rotate and the curved edge 185 is able to clear the second length176.

The second conical cutout 180 can be arranged at a top end of the innerleg portion 130, and be scalloped out of one side of that top end asseen in FIG. 11A. The second conical cutout 180 can have the shape of aportion of a cone, and this shape can mimic or be similar to the conicalshape of the third length 174 of the leg release button 126. In otherwords, the angle of the second conical cutout 180 can be greater than anangle of the first and third conical cutouts 182, 183. Accordingly, whenthe leg release button 126 is in the locked state, and the leg assembly128 is in the stowed position, the third length 174 and the secondconical cutout 180 are shaped and positioned to interface and make aflush arcuate connection. Given this interface, the leg assembly 128 canrotate when sufficient torque is applied to backdrive the leg releasebutton 126. The greater angle of the third length 174 makes it possiblefor backdriving, whereas the shallow angle of the first length 172prevents backdriving. In other words, an angle or shape of the thirdlength 174 can be selected to select the unlocking threshold and theangle or shape of the first length 172 can be selected to preventbackdriving under most torque conditions. A steeper angle of the thirdlength 174 leads to a lower unlocking threshold, and a shallower angleleads to a higher unlocking threshold (i.e., an inverse relationshipbetween the two). While the leg assembly 128 is in the stowed position,the leg release button 126 can also be depressed into an unlocked state,thereby providing an alternative way to deploy the leg assembly 128.

The leg release button 126 is arranged near, but not coincident with theleg deployment pivot axis 184 (see FIGS. 27A and 27B). The leg releasebutton 126 can have a locked state (see FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 27A) and anunlocked state (see FIGS. 10C, 10D, and 27B) when the leg assembly 128is in the deployed position. When the leg release button 126 isdepressed, it can move from the locked state to the unlockedstate—moving toward the housing 150. In FIGS. 10A-10D, the housing 150is arranged to the left of the figures. Thus, in the unlocked state,FIGS. 10C and 10D, the leg release button 126 has been moved closer tothe housing 150.

FIG. 10A shows a side view of the interaction between the leg releasebutton 126 (dashed lines) and an end of the inner leg portion 130 of theleg assembly 128. FIG. 10B shows an overhead view of the interactionbetween the leg release button 126 and the end of the inner leg portion130 of the leg assembly 128. FIG. 10C shows a side view of theinteraction between the leg release button 126 (dashed lines) and theend of the inner leg portion 130 of the leg assembly 128. FIG. 10D showsan overhead view of the interaction between the leg release button 126and the end of the inner leg portion 130 of the leg assembly 128.

The first length 172 can have a tubular or conical shape. If tubular,then the first length 172 has a diameter, D₁, and if conical, then thefirst length has two diameters, D₂ and D₃, where D₂>D₃. The secondlength 176 has a diameter, D₄<D₃<D₂, and if applicable, D₄<D₁. If thethird length 174 is implemented, then it has a conical shape and thustwo diameters, D₃ and D₄. Where the first and third lengths 172, 174meet, they have the same diameter, D₃, and where the second and thirdlengths, 176, 174 meet, they have the same diameter, D₄.

While both the first and second lengths 172, 176 can be conical, anangle of the third length 174 relative to the common axis between theleg release button 126 and the leg locking aperture 164, can be greaterthan an angle of the first length 172 relative to this axis. This iseasily seen in the greater conical nature of the third length 174 seenin FIGS. 10A-10D. In an embodiment, the angle of the first length 172can be less than or equal to 20°. In another embodiment, the angle ofthe first length 172 can be less than or equal to 15°. In anotherembodiment, the angle of the first length 172 can be less than or equalto 10°. In another embodiment, the angle of the first length 172 can beless than or equal to 5°. In an embodiment, the angle of the thirdlength 174 can be 45°. In an embodiment, the angle of the third length174 can be between 40° and 50°. In an embodiment, the angle of the thirdlength 174 can be between 30° and 60°.

To enter the unlocked state, the inner leg portion 130 clears the firstlength 172 as seen in FIGS. 10C and 10D. If part of the inner legportion 130 is still overlapping the first length 172, then the legrelease button 126 is still considered in a locked state. Where thethird length 174 is implemented, the unlocked state may be defined as aposition where the inner leg portion 130 clears both the first andsecond lengths 172, 176 (also see in FIGS. 10C and 10D). Said anotherway, in the locked state the first conical cutout 182 interfaces with(and is optionally flush with) the first length 172. In the unlockedstate, the first conical cutout 182 does not interface with the firstlength 172. The first conical cutout 182 may be aligned with the thirdlength 174 as shown in FIG. 10C, but due to the difference in diameterbetween the first conical cutout 182 and the second length 176, nointerfacing between these two is possible, and thus the leg assembly 128is able to freely rotate from the deployed toward the stowed position.

FIGS. 11A-11C show the leg release button 126 in a locked state. Here,the second conical cutout 180 interfaces with, and is optionally flushwith, the third length 174. When a torque is applied to the leg assembly128, a force into or out of the page in FIG. 11B is applied from the legassembly 128 to the third length 174. Since the third length 174 isconical, a force into or out of the page has a component of lateralforce as well. If the torque is equal to or exceeds the unlockingthreshold, then the leg release button 126 is backdriven, or forced tomove against the bias of the button biasing mechanism 127 (recall FIG.8). As the leg release button 126 is backdriven, moved to the left inFIG. 11E, the leg assembly 128 can clear the second length 176 and isthus able to rotate back toward the deployed position.

While only first and second conical cutouts 182, 180 have beendescribed, in some embodiments, the third conical cutout 183 can beimplemented (and as shown in the figures). The third conical cutout 183can be shaped like the first conical cutout 182, but can be arranged onan opposing narrow edge of the inner leg portion 130, and can have thesame functionality as the first conical cutout 182 when the legassemblies 128 are reversed.

While the conical cutouts 180, 182, 183 have been described as havingconical shapes, in other embodiments these cutouts can be scalloped orcurved.

Leg Extension

The leg assemblies 128 can each include the inner leg portion 130 andthe outer leg portion 132 having a sliding relation to each other—theinner leg portion 130 sliding within the outer leg portion 132. Thissliding relation allows the leg assemblies 128 to extend and shorten inlength (i.e., telescope). To control extension of the leg assemblies128, a leg extension locking component 138 can have a sliding couplingto each leg assembly 128. The leg extension button can be arranged on aninside or outside of the leg assemblies 128 (an inside arrangement isshown in the figures). The leg assemblies 128 are reversible, such thatthe leg extension locking components 138 can be arranged on an outsideof the leg assemblies 128.

The leg extension locking component 138 can be biased into position viasprings or another biasing apparatus (e.g., see FIG. 15). The biasingforce can be arranged parallel to the horizontal axis 162 when the legassemblies 128 are in the deployed position. Thus, the leg extensionlocking components 138 are biased in parallel to the horizontal axis162, and a user can depress the leg extension locking components 138parallel to the horizontal axis 162 to oppose the biases, and releasethe leg assemblies 128 for telescoping. FIG. 13 shows how depressing aleg extension button allows a leg to be extended (or shortened).

FIGS. 14A and 14B show close-up views of an embodiment of the legextension locking component 138. The leg extension locking component 138can include an inner side 166 and an outer side 168. The inner side 166can include a detent 171 shaped to fit within any of the horizontaltracks 173 in inner leg portion 130. When the leg extension lockingcomponent 138 is depressed, the detent 171 is moved sideways into avertical track 175 in the inner leg portion 130 where vertical movementof the detent along the vertical track 175 is possible. Since the legextension locking component 138 is coupled to the outer leg portion 132,the outer leg portion 132 can slide along the inner leg portion 130until a desired extension point. When the leg extension lockingcomponent 138 is released, the bias pushes the leg extension lockingcomponent 138 along one of the horizontal tracks 173 and out of thevertical track 175 and prevents further telescoping.

The illustrated embodiments show seven horizontal tracks 173, thoughthis number can be larger or smaller depending on the size of the bipodand the level of desired telescoping granularity. The vertical track 175can be included on both sides of the inner leg portion 130 as can thehorizontal tracks 173, to enable reversibility of the leg assemblies128.

Although this description has used the term horizontal track 173, inother embodiments, notches or other shapes and volumes could be used toaccept the detent 171 out of the vertical track 175 when the legextension locking component 138 is released.

Leg Assembly Cross Section

FIG. 16 illustrates a view of the hollow interior 131 of the outer legportion 132 of the leg assembly 128, where the hollow interior 131 isconfigured to accept the inner leg portion 130. The inner leg portion130 can have narrower dimensions than the outer leg portion 132, suchthat the inner leg portion 130 can telescopically slide within thehollow interior 131 of the outer leg portion 132. The inner leg portion130 can have one of various shapes designed to enhance strength, whileminimizing weight and size (e.g., an elongated, diamond-shaped, orovular cross section as shown), though an elongated or diamond-shape isused for illustration.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 16 illustrate various views of the elongated crosssection of the leg assemblies 128. The general characteristic of theelongated cross section is a width W that is less than a length L of thecross sections as seen in FIG. 16. The result is strength in a morecompact package (i.e., a narrower bipod when viewed head on). Exemplarydimensions are shown in FIG. 16. The inner leg portion 130 has a width,W₁, and a length, L₁, while the hollow interior of the outer leg portion132 has a width, W₂, and a length, L₂. The widths are both smaller thanthe lengths (i.e., W₁<L₁ and W₂<L₂) and the width and length of theinner leg portion 130 are smaller than the width and length of thehollow interior 131 of the outer leg portion 132, respectively (i.e.,W₁<W₂ and L₁<L₂).

Each inner leg portion 130 may also include a plurality of horizontaltracks 173 or notches, these depressions occurring on either side of agiven vertical track 175. Both the vertical tracks 175, 177 and thehorizontal tracks 173 can be shaped and sized to accept the detent 171of the leg extension locking component 138.

Each outer leg portion 132 can include an alignment detent 186 extendinginward from an inner long side of each outer leg portion 132, eachalignment detent 186 corresponding to and shaped to fit within andinterface with the vertical tracks 175, 177 of a corresponding inner legportion 130. For instance, where a single vertical track 175 isimplemented on an inner leg portion 130, a single alignment detent 186on the outer leg portion 132 can be used (not shown). Where two verticaltracks 175, 177 are implemented, two alignment detents 186 can be used(as shown).

Pivot/Cant Assembly

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of the components associated withpivot and canting of the bipod. As seen, the pivot/cant assembly 124 canbe pivotally coupled to the housing 150. The housing 150 can include avertical housing aperture 153 having a first diameter. The pivot/cantassembly 124 can include the pivot block 112, the firearm interface 102,the cant nut 108, and optionally the locking pin 121. The pivot block112 can include the tubular detent 151 extending down from a bottom ofthe pivot block 112 and having a second outer diameter smaller than thefirst diameter. As such, the tubular detent 151 can fit into and rotatewithin the vertical housing aperture 153 in the housing 150. The pivotblock 112 may further include a concave hollow 114 FIG. 19 on a top ofthe pivot block 112 opposite to the tubular detent 151. The pivot/cantassembly 124 may include the firearm interface 102 including the curvedbottom surface 104, the curved bottom surface 104 having the same or asimilar diameter as the concave hollow 114 of the pivot block 112. Thepivot/cant assembly 124 may further include the pivot rod 110 having asmaller outer diameter than the first diameter of the vertical housingaperture 153 such that the pivot rod 110 can pass through the verticalhousing aperture 153 and pivot relative to the housing 150. Coupled to atop of the pivot rod 110 can be the cant nut 108 having a tubular shapeand a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the tubular aperture106 in the firearm interface 102, such that the firearm interface 102can rotate or cant around the cant nut 108.

A locking knob 120 can be pivotally coupled to a bottom of the pivot rod110 (e.g., via a threaded connection to the pivot rod 110). When thelocking knob 120 is rotated, the pivot rod 110 moves up or down alongthe vertical axis 160. As the cant nut 108 is coupled to a top of thepivot rod 110, when the locking knob 120 is rotated, both the pivot rod110 and the cant nut 108 move up and down in unison. As a result, thecant nut 108 moves up to release the pivot block 112 as well as thefirearm interface 102. When the cant nut 108 is pulled down, it pressesthe bottom of the firearm interface 102 against the concave hollow 114of the pivot block 112, and the cant/pivot assembly 124 is locked (or atleast tightened) in a given cant position (e.g., via friction fit).However, the pivot block 112 is still free to pivot atop the housing150. In this way, a cant of the firearm relative to the bipod can beselected and locked, while still allowing pivoting of the firearm. If anoptional pivot lock detent 190 is not implemented, then the pivot block112 and firearm interface 102 can pivot 360° even when the locking knob120 has been turned to lock the firearm interface 102 into a given cantposition. However, and as discussed in detail later, if the pivot lockdetent 190 is implemented along with detent receiving hollows in thehousing 150, then pivoting may be limited once the firearm interface 102has been locked down or at least tightened down.

The locking knob 120 and the pivot rod 110 can be in threaded relationsuch that turning of either causes a relative vertical movement betweenthese two components (i.e., when the locking knob 120 is fixed in avertical position against the underside of the housing 150, then thepivot rod 110 will move up and down relative to the locking knob 120when the locking knob 120 is rotated). The firearm interface 102 caninclude an ovular aperture 140 that intersects the tubular aperture 106,the ovular aperture 140 passing through a bottom of the firearminterface 102, but not through a top or an entirety thereof. Thus, theovular aperture 140 and the tubular aperture 106 form a t-shaped hollowwithin the firearm interface 102 that accept the t-shaped assembly ofthe pivot rod 110 and the cant nut 108. The ovular aperture 140 of thefirearm interface 102 is shaped to accept an upper portion of the pivotrod 110. The ovular aperture 140 in the firearm interface 102 can havean ovular cross section (e.g., see FIG. 22), such that the firearminterface 102 can cant upon the cant nut 108 without the pivot rod 110running into sides of the ovular aperture 140.

A biasing means 122 (e.g., spring, stacked springs, coaxial springs,washers, one or more split-lock washers, stacked split-lock washers,wave washers) can be arranged between the locking knob 120 and a bottomof the housing 150. Alternatively, the bottom of the housing 150 caninclude an indentation shaped to accept some or all the biasing means122 such that the locking knob 120 can rest virtually flush against abottom of the housing 150. The biasing means 122, can create a biastending to push the locking knob 120 and the housing 150 apart.

FIG. 35 illustrates a close up of the pivot rod, locking knob, biasingmeans and a thrust washer. Around the pivot rod 110 a thrust washer 125can be arranged. The thrust washer 125 can include a faceted aperture129 that can include one or more facets or flat edges. These one or morefacets or flat edges can be shaped to fit one or more flat faces 111 onthe threaded portion of the pivot rod 110. As illustrated, only a singleflat face 111 of the pivot rod 110 is shown. The faceted aperture 129can be generally circular, where this circular shape is interrupted bythe one or more facets or flat edges. The thrust washer 125 can bearranged between the biasing means 122 and the locking knob 120 andthereby be pressed by the biasing means 122 against a top of the lockingknob 120. As such, the thrust washer 125 helps to rotationally lock thepivot rod 110 to the locking knob 120. Without the thrust washer 125 itmay be possible for the locking knob 120 to rotate relative to the pivotrod 110 and thereby “unscrew” itself from the pivot rod 110. Such mayoccur if the housing 150 contacts the locking knob 120 and therebycreates enough friction to keep the locking knob 120 from fixed rotationwith the pivot rod 110. Thus, the thrust washer 125 keeps rotation ofthe pivot rod 110 from inadvertently unscrewing the locking knob 120from the pivot rod 110. Although the thrust washer 125 is shown as beingarranged below the biasing means 122, in other embodiments, the thrustwasher 125 can be arranged between elements of the biasing means 122,for instance where the biasing means 122 comprises stacked springs orstacked split-lock washers. Alternatively, the thrust washer 125 can bearranged above the biasing means 122.

In alternative embodiments, the thrust washer 125 can be replaced by anyrod-to-knob locking element that maintains rotational fixation betweenthe pivot rod 110 and the locking knob 120, unless the locking knob 110is intentionally unscrewed from the pivot rod 110.

FIG. 22 illustrates another view of the pivot and cant assembly of FIGS.19-21, showing the ovular aperture 140 in a bottom of the firearminterface 102. This allows the pivot rod 110 to pass through the ovularaperture 140 while also allowing various cant angles of the firearminterface 102.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a cant and pivot assembly 124 in threedifferent positions showing rotation of the locking knob 120 to loosenthe cant nut 108 and hence the firearm interface 102 from the pivotblock 112. Specifically, rotating the locking knob 120 in a firstdirection (left image) allows the pivot rod 110, the cant nut 108, andthe firearm interface 102 to move upwards (middle image) therebyenabling the firearm interface 102 to cant (right image). When a desiredcant is achieved, the locking knob 120 can be tightened and the firearminterface 102 is once again pulled down into the concave hollow 114thereby locking the degree of cant. In practice, a weight of the firearmon the firearm interface 102 will keep the firearm interface 102 andpivot block 112 in contact even when the locking knob 120 is loosened.However, for illustrative purposes, a gap has been shown between thefirearm interface 102 and the pivot block 112.

In some embodiments, the entire cant/pivot assembly 124 can pivotrelative to the housing 150. Rotation of the locking knob 120 can adjustresistance to pivoting of the cant/pivot assembly 124 by adjustingfriction between the pivot block 112 and the housing 150. In this way,the degree of cant can be locked in, yet allow pivoting of the firearm,and where a looseness of pivoting is selectable via the locking knob120.

In other embodiments, the pivot rod 110 may be fixed relative to thehousing 150 (an embodiment where the pivot rod 110 is fixed to thehousing 150 is not illustrated). In other words, canting but notpivoting is possible. However, in another embodiment, the firearminterface 102 and the cant nut 108 can pivot around the pivot rod 110instead of the pivot rod rotating relative to the housing 150.

Reversible Pan/Lock Pivot Block

In an embodiment, the pivot block 112 may have the optional pivot lockdetent 190 (e.g., see FIG. 19) enabling a given pivot position to belocked. The pivot lock detent 190 can extend from a bottom side of thepivot block 112 and be arranged at a distance from the vertical axis160. The pivot lock detent 190 can be coupled to a bottom of the pivotblock 112 and a side of the tubular detent 151. The arcuate location ofthe pivot lock detent 190 around the vertical axis 160 is not paramount.A top of the housing 150 may include a first and second detent receivinghollows 192, 194 (see FIG. 28) being shaped to allow entry of the pivotlock detent 190. A first of these detent receiving hollows 192 can havea greater arcuate length than a second detent receiving hollow 194, andas a result, when the pivot lock detent 190 is arranged within thislarger of the two detent receiving hollows 192, the pivot lock detent190 and hence the pivot block 112 and firearm interface 102, are able topivot or rotate around the vertical axis 160 to a greater extent thanwhen the pivot lock detent 190 is arranged in the smaller detentreceiving hollow 194. In an embodiment, the smaller detent receivinghollow 194 has a sufficient arcuate length to allow the pivot lockdetent 190 to enter the second detent receiving hollow 194, but not toallow any rotation of the pivot block 112. In other words, when thepivot lock detent 190 is arranged in this smaller detent receivinghollow 194, the pivot block 112 is rotationally locked in place. Thus,this embodiment allows a user to lock or unlock the pivoting movement ofthe firearm interface 102.

In an embodiment, these two detent receiving hollows 192, 194 can beroughly 180° apart from each other as measured in a circle around thevertical axis 160. Since the larger of the detent receiving hollows 192spans an arcuate region of the housing 150, when measuring theabove-noted 180° separation between the two hollows 192, 194, one canmeasure from an arcuate center of both hollows 192, 194.

The purpose of the two detent receiving hollows 192, 194 having aroughly 180° separation, is to allow a user to pivot the firearm whilethe pivot lock detent 190 is arranged in the larger of the two detentreceiving hollows 192, 194, and once a desired pivot position is found,the locking knob 120 can be rotated to loosen the firearm interface 102from the pivot block 112, a user can lift the pivot block 112sufficiently so that the pivot lock detent 190 clears the housing 150,and the use can rotate the pivot block 112 (without rotating the firearminterface 102) (see FIG. 20) 180° until the pivot lock detent 190 can belowered into the smaller of the two detent receiving hollows 194. Inother words, rotating the pivot block 112 180° without rotating thefirearm interface 102 allows one to lock in a given pivot position.

The arcuate length of the larger detent receiving hollow 192 can be suchthat the pivot block 112 is able to pivot through at least 45°, or atleast 90°, or at least 180°, or at least 270° when the pivot lock detent190 is in the larger of the two detent receiving hollows 192, 194. Itshould be noted that FIG. 28 illustrates just one of many configurationsand orientations of the two detent receiving hollows 192, 194.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the detentreceiving hollows 192, 194 and the pivot block 112. In this embodiment,the housing 150 can include two or more detent receiving hollows 3392,3394 alternately arranged in a circular fashion concentric to the pivotaxis 160. The first detent receiving hollow 3392 can be larger than thesecond detent receiving hollow 3394. For instance, the first detentreceiving hollow 3392 can have a wider arcuate width, as measured in acircle around the pivot axis 160, than the second detent receivinghollower 3394. In another embodiment, the second detent receiving hollow3394 can have a shape and size to match one of two or more detents 3402on the pivot block 112. In other words, when the pivot block 112 isarranged such that the detents 3402 align with the second detentreceiving hollows 3394, the pivot block 112 may not be able to rotate(i.e., the pivot block 112 is in a “locked position”). When the pivotblock 112 is arranged such that the detents 3402 align with the firstdetent receiving hollows 3392, the pivot block 112 may be able torotate, for instance up to 20° (i.e., the pivot block 112 is in an“unlocked position”). In other embodiments, the size of the first detentreceiving hollows 3392 may allow up to 5° of rotation, or up to 10° ofrotation, or up to 15° of rotation, or up to 25° of rotation, or up to30° of rotation.

The detents 3402 can be tapered when viewed horizontally (i.e., wider atthe top and narrower at the bottom). This tapering can match a taperingof the detent receiving hollows 3392, 3394 and provides greater shearstrength of the detents 3402 relative to rotation of the pivot block112. The detents 3402 can also be tapered when viewed from above orbelow (i.e., wider toward the pivot axis 160 and narrower further fromthe pivot axis 160).

As with the previously-described version of the pivot block 112, thepivot block 112 can be rotated 180° in order to switch from a pivotingstate (e.g., where the detents 3402 are aligned with the first detentreceiving hollows 3392) to a locked state (e.g., where the detents 3402are aligned with the second detent receiving hollows 3394).

Although the instant figures show three detents 3402 and three firstdetent receiving hollows 3392 and three second detent receiving hollows3394, in other embodiments, there can be two of each. While four or moreis possible, the reduction in the amount of material between each of theadjacent detent receiving hollows 3392, 3394 can become so small thatshearing of this material can become problematic when four or more areused. Thus, two or three detents 3402 can be preferred for somematerials.

Firearm Interface

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a firearm interface configured forM-LOK interfacing with a firearm.

FIGS. 24-25 illustrate an embodiment of a firearm interface configuredfor rail interfacing (e.g., Picatinny or NATO rail, to name twonon-limiting examples). The illustrated firearm interface 102 b can bemade from a polymer or other flexible material, such that rotation ofthe fasteners 142 (only one of which is shown) can clamp the railinterface 144 to a rail or release the rail interface 144 from a rail.While the illustrated firearm interface 102 b is a unitary design, inother embodiments, the rail interface 144 may be a two-part design,where tightening of the fasteners 142 causes the two parts of the railinterface 144 to move together and thereby lock onto a rail.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of a firearm interface 102 cconfigured for sling stud interfacing. In some embodiments, this firearminterface 102 c can couple to an M-LOK interface, such as the M-LOKinterface shown in FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 29 illustrates a method of stowing deployed legs of a bipodaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure. The method 100 caninclude depressing a leg release button (Block 2902) and applying astowing torque to a leg assembly (Block 2904). The method 100 can theninclude aligning a circular edge at a top of a leg assembly with anarrower length of the leg release button (Block 2906), rotating the legassembly from a deployed position toward a stowed position (Block 2908),and clearing a wider length of the leg release button with the circularedge of the leg assembly during the rotating (Block 2910).

FIG. 30 illustrates a method of deploying stowed legs of a bipodaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure. The method 3000 caninclude applying a torque to a leg assembly (Block 3002) to attempt torotate the leg assembly from a stowed position toward a deployedposition. If the torque does not exceed an unlocking threshold (Decision3004), then the leg release button does not move and the leg assemblyremains locked in place by the leg release button (Block 3006). However,if the torque is great enough, then the leg release button is backdriven(Block 3008) (i.e., driven against its bias and toward the housing)allowing the circular edge of the leg assembly to align with a narrowerlength of the leg release button such that the leg assembly can clearthe leg release button (Block 3010) while rotating from the stowedposition toward the deployed position (Block 3012).

FIG. 31 illustrates a method of extending or collapsing legs of a bipodaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure. The method 3100 includesdepressing a leg extension locking component (Block 3102), which in turncauses a detent of the leg extension locking component to move into avertical track of an inner leg portion of a leg assembly (Block 3104). Auser can then extend the leg (Block 3106) with the leg extension lockingcomponent depressed. When a desired length is achieved, the user canrelease the leg extension locking component (Block 3108). If the detentof the leg extension locking component is aligned with a horizontaltrack or one of a plurality of notches (Decision 3110), then the detenttraverses into the horizontal track or notch (Block 3112) and can lockthe leg assembly in the current position (Block 3116). If not, then theuser may need to move an outer leg portion of the leg assembly up ordown (Block 3114) until the detent of the leg extension lockingcomponent aligns with one of the horizontal tracks (Decision 3110). Thedetent can then traverse horizontally (Block 3112) and lock the legassembly in the current position (Block 3116).

FIG. 32 illustrates a method of pivoting and canting a firearm interfaceassembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The method 3200can include rotating a locking knob of a bipod (Block 3202) to releasetension on a cant/pivot assembly. Once tension is relieved, a firearminterface can be canted relative to a housing of the bipod (Block 3204).Once a desired cant has been achieved, the locking knob can be rotatedin the opposing direction (Block 3206) to tighten the assembly and lockthe cant angle. Despite the cant being locked in, a user can still pivotor rotate the firearm interface relative to the bipod housing (Block3208). In an optional embodiment, the bipod may include structure forlocking in a current pivot position. Thus, the method 3200 may furtherinclude the optional step of rotating the locking knob in the firstdirection (optional Block 3210) to allowing a pivot block between thefirearm interface and the bipod housing to be raised sufficiently toallow clearance of a pivot lock detent relative to the housing (optionalBlock 3212). The pivot block in unison with the firearm interface canthen be rotated 180° (or roughly 180°) (Block 3214) and the locking knobcan again be tightened (Block 3216) via rotation in the seconddirection. This turning then locks the pivot block into a current pivotangle (Block 3218).

In an embodiment, the optional Block 3212 can include rotating the pivotblock and firearm interface in unison until the pivot lock detent isaligned with a second detent receiving hollow (shorter in arcuate lengththan a first detent receiving hollow, these hollows typically opposingeach other across the housing).

Although the first length 172 of the leg release button 126 has beenshown and described as having a taper or conical shape in some cases, asalso noted earlier, in other embodiments, this first length 172 of theleg release button 3620 can be tubular or cylindrical as shown in FIGS.36-38. The cylindrical first length 3602 is shaped to interface witheither of the conical cutouts 3604 in the sides of each leg 3610 (recallthat these cutouts were often described as being conical in previousembodiments). The leg release button 3620 also includes a firstchamfered edge 3606 adjacent to the first length 3602 and this chamferededge 3606 is configured to interface with a similarly-shaped chamferedportion 3608 of the leg 3610 adjacent to the cylindrical cutouts 3604.When the leg 3610 is in the deployed position, the leg release button3620 is biased away from the housing, and the interfacing of thechamfered edge 3606 and the chamfered portion 3608 acts as a button stopto prevent the leg deployment button 3620 from being pushed outward fromthe housing too far.

As used herein, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” isintended to mean “either A, B, C or any combination of A, B and C.” Theprevious description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure.Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein maybe applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit orscope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended tobe limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bipod leg deployment assembly comprising: ahousing comprising: a vertical housing aperture passing through thehousing along a vertical pivot axis; one or more first detent receivinghollows arranged concentrically around the vertical housing aperture;one or more second detent receiving hollows arranged concentricallyaround the vertical housing aperture and alternately arranged betweenthe one or more first detent receiving hollows, the one or more firstdetent receiving hollows having a greater arcuate width than the one ormore second detent receiving hollows; two leg housings coupled to thehousing and each having a leg assembly rotatably coupled thereto; apivot rod that passes through the vertical housing aperture; a lockingknob coupled to a lower half of the pivot rod and arranged at leastpartially below the housing; and a pivot block fixed to an upper half ofthe pivot rod and pivotally arranged at least partially above thehousing.
 2. The bipod leg deployment assembly of claim 1, wherein thepivot block has a bottom surface and one or more detents extendingdownward from the bottom surface and shaped to nest within the one ormore first detent receiving hollows and the one or more second detentreceiving hollows.
 3. The bipod leg deployment assembly of claim 2,wherein the one or more detents are shaped and sized to, when alignedwith the one or more second detent receiving hollows, fit within the oneor more second detent receiving hollows and preclude rotation of thepivot block relative to the housing.
 4. The bipod leg deploymentassembly of claim 3, wherein the one or more detents are shaped andsized to, when aligned with the one or more first detent receivinghollows, fit within the one or more second detent receiving hollows toallow up to 10° of rotation of the pivot block relative to the housing.5. The bipod leg deployment assembly of claim 3, wherein the one or moredetents are shaped and sized to, when aligned with the one or more firstdetent receiving hollows, fit within the one or more second detentreceiving hollows to allow up to 20° of rotation of the pivot blockrelative to the housing.
 6. The bipod leg deployment assembly of claim3, wherein the one or more detents are shaped and sized to, when alignedwith the one or more first detent receiving hollows, fit within the oneor more second detent receiving hollows to allow up to 30° of rotationof the pivot block relative to the housing.
 7. The bipod leg deploymentassembly of claim 1, comprising two or three first detent receivinghollows and two or three second detent receiving hollows.
 8. A bipod legdeployment assembly comprising: a housing having two legs rotationallycoupled thereto, the housing comprising: a vertical housing aperturearranged around a vertical pivot axis; a plurality of detent receivinghollows arranged concentrically around the vertical pivot axis, adjacentones of the detent receiving hollows having alternating arcuate widthsas measured in a circle around the vertical pivot axis; a pivot rod thatpasses through the vertical housing aperture; a locking knob coupled toa lower half of the pivot rod and arranged at least partially below thehousing; and a pivot block fixed to an upper half of the pivot rod andpivotally arranged at least partially above the housing.
 9. The bipodleg deployment assembly of claim 8, wherein the pivot block has a bottomsurface and one or more detents extending downward from the bottomsurface and shaped to nest within the one or more first detent receivinghollows and the one or more second detent receiving hollows.
 10. Thebipod leg deployment assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or moredetents are shaped and sized to, when aligned with the one or moresecond detent receiving hollows, fit within the one or more seconddetent receiving hollows and preclude rotation of the pivot blockrelative to the housing.
 11. The bipod leg deployment assembly of claim10, wherein the detents are shaped and sized to, when aligned with theone or more first detent receiving hollows, fit within the one or moresecond detent receiving hollows to allow up to 10° of rotation of thepivot block relative to the housing.
 12. The bipod leg deploymentassembly of claim 10, wherein the one or more detents are shaped andsized to, when aligned with the one or more first detent receivinghollows, fit within the one or more second detent receiving hollows toallow up to 20° of rotation of the pivot block relative to the housing.13. The bipod leg deployment assembly of claim 10, wherein the one ormore detents are shaped and sized to, when aligned with the one or morefirst detent receiving hollows, fit within the one or more second detentreceiving hollows to allow up to 30° of rotation of the pivot blockrelative to the housing.
 14. A method of locking out a pivot function ofa firearm bipod, the method comprising: rotating a locking knob of abipod in a first direction to enable a pivot block to move verticallyaway from a housing sufficiently to allow one or more detents extendingdown from a bottom of the pivot block to exit corresponding first detentreceiving hollows in the housing and to clear a top surface of thehousing, the housing arranged between the locking knob and the pivotblock; rotating the pivot block 180°; rotating the locking knob in asecond direction to pull the pivot block back into connection with thehousing and cause the one or more detents to enter corresponding seconddetent receiving hollows in the housing, the first and second detentreceiving hollows having different arcuate widths as measured circularlyaround a vertical pivot axis through the housing.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein after the second rotating, the pivot block is nolonger free to pivot.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein before thefirst rotating, the pivot block is free to pivot up to 10°.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein before the first rotating, the pivot blockis free to pivot up to 20°.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein beforethe first rotating, the pivot block is free to pivot up to 30°.
 19. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the housing comprises two or three firstdetent receiving hollows and two or three second detent receivinghollows, the first and second detent receiving hollows concentricallyarranged around the vertical pivot axis.